BGSU distinguished research professor selected as 48th Probst Memorial Lecturer

Dr. Jayaraman Sivaguru joins a list of Nobel laureates, recognizing his commitment to the chemistry field and his students

By Branden Ferguson

Renowned Bowling Green State University researcher Dr. Jayaraman Sivaguru joined a list of Nobel laureates when he was selected as the guest speaker for the 48th annual William J. Probst Memorial Lecture, recognizing his expertise and advancements in the field of photochemistry.

As a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and world-renowned Center for Photochemical Sciences, Sivaguru has dedicated his career to photochemical sciences, working with Fortune 500 companies and collaborating with industries to solve real-world problems.

"It is an honor to be placed among multiple Nobel laureates, not only for me but also for my students," said Sivaguru. "It reflects their commitment and contributions to the field."

Dedicated to understanding and advancing photochemistry, Sivaguru works directly with students, allowing them to gain hands-on research experience and impact the world.

"Students are the main drivers of my research as they do innovative work," Sivaguru said. "All of my students, including undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral scholars, work together to gain a deeper understanding of photochemical processes that help advance not only basic sciences but also solve contemporary applied problems that benefit society."

The Probst lecture series began in 1975 as a memorial to Professor William J. Probst, one of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's (SIUE) founding faculty members. Each year, a noted chemist is invited to give several lectures. This year, Sivaguru presented "Lessons from Light for Life and Leisure" and "Harnessing the Power of Light to Drive Chemical Changes."

Alongside students at BGSU, Sivaguru has:

• Developed an eco-friendly compound that can be used in photocuring systems to strengthen surfaces on objects such as lenses, automotive coatings and semiconductors and is an alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-derived materials
• Partnered with public and private organizations to provide the U.S. Department of Defense with eyewear that electronically adjusts its tint from clear to dark in 0.1 seconds, a critical safety feature
• Embarked on groundbreaking photochemical research to conduct fundamental studies that will develop innovative and environmentally benign solutions with light, resulting in solutions for pharmaceutical, manufacturing and agricultural industries
• Created a now patent-protected process that uses ultraviolet light to decompose plastic on demand in the fight against microplastics

"One of my research goals is to not only educate students but also to empower them to solve scientific problems in both basic and applied domains," said Sivaguru. "High-impact research is critical for developing intellectual curiosity in the next generation's workforce."

Sivaguru's impact on the science field goes beyond his classroom each year when he engages with local schools through the PICNICS program. Open to high school students, Sivaguru and BGSU students offer a six-week science-based experience that allows high school students to engage in real-world, cutting-edge research in BGSU science labs. Students conduct daily laboratory activities before presenting their findings at a public event.

Sivaguru is slated to present at the prestigious Gordon Conference later this year and will also co-organize the Pacifichem Symposium on “Photosciences In Molecular and Supramolecular Scaffolds” hosted by the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies.